Ole's Wall Art

Waves

I've had all kinds of greetings on this trip. Most from those in passing cars give a wave that can be classified into one of three categories. I call them the doorknob, the pancake, and the wait a minute. The doorknob comes from mostly older men whose hands might have done so much work in their life that the can't fully open them anymore. Doorknobbers lift a semi-opened fist and wave by gently turning their wrist. Pancakers come from an old college volleyball move. Lift your hand off the wheel and hold it out flat, palm down, fingers extended. Lastly, the wait a minute folks only lift one finger as if to indicate, hold on there a second. Oddly, very few people actually wave in the traditional sense. I try and respond with the same as they give but there's only a nanosecond to respond, so that keeps me engaged.

Bailing Hay

North Platte - 35 miles

A mentally tough day with long empty stretches to North Platte. Started off with 13 miles to Brady for a drink. Then 9 more to Maxwell for a late lunch. My ideal afternoon is an easy 9 miles but it was still 14 to the end in North Platte. Perks along the way were another tv interview on the road and meeting a transcon biker from Tucson. Google "crazy guy on a bike" to find his blog. He's 73 and the picture of health. I'm glad I made 35 miles today but I had to earn every inch of it. Luckily the wind picked up in the afternoon and a few clouds hovered over me for a welcome change. I'll post the link for the second tv interview on facebook like I did with the first one. Glad so many of you enjoyed that. Tomorrow evening at Ole's! If you're in the area, I'd love to see you there in Paxton. With the 4th coming up I had been thinking of being in Ogallala for the fireworks but it's looking like strong storms are predicted so I might just start my lap around Lake McConaughy.

meeting a transcon biker from Tucson